December 20, 2012 -- “This is a big ‘Merry Christmas’ present to me!” said Bridgeport resident Winter Alston when she came to CT Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill to claim the $10,000 top prize she won playing “$10,000 Celebration.”

The new instant game, which launched on December 10, had already produced 7 top prize winners—Alston was the eighth—with 42 more top prizes remaining to be claimed. “Who knows,” Alston said, “maybe I’ll win $10,000 again.”

To win a $10,000 Celebration prize the player must find a winning number match. All five of Alston’s numbers were a $1,000 match prize—twice—for a total prize win of $10,000. “I had to add up the prizes several times before I was finally sure what I won,” Alston told Lottery officials with a laugh.

Alston arrived at Lottery headquarters recently to receive her prize check for $6,833 (value after taxes) still feeling a little stunned by her unexpected windfall. “I have no plans for the prize money yet. This is still unreal to me,” Alston said.

For selling Alston her top prize winning $10,000 Celebration ticket, The Future Market, located at 256 Wade Street in Bridgeport, will receive a $100 bonus check from the CT Lottery.